Discover Home Care in Vermont

Senior home care is designed to provide a wide range of services to individuals who may just need weekly assistance and companionship or as much as 24-hour skilled nursing attention. The goal is to allow seniors to receive care in a familiar setting while remaining as independent as possible. Currently, there are around 44 home health care agencies in Vermont with average monthly costs around $4,195.

Home Care in Vermont - Cost Comparison

The cost of home care will vary based on an individual's needs, as well as one's location and the license type of the home care professional providing their services. Generally, non-medical paraprofessionals and aides provide instrumental assistance with things like housekeeping, general shopping, transportation, companionship, or meal preparation. Medically certified home care professionals can assist with administering medications, providing skilled nursing care, and more in-depth assistance. In many cases, these two caregiver types will overlap in their duties.

There are a number of cities throughout Vermont that offer home care, however, Burlington contains the majority of the state's home care agencies. Monthly costs of home care in Vermont generally start around $4,195.

City

Homemaker Services Monthly Costs

Home Health Aide Monthly Costs

State Median

$4,195

$4,481

Burlington

$4,290

$4,767

Rest of State

$3,695

$4,195

Recreation & Attractions in Vermont

Vermont has long been a popular destination for people interested in outdoor recreation, especially skiing and winter sports. Visitors and residents can enjoy a wide range of attractions such as the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory, or the Green Mountain National Forest for an authentic Vermont experience. Anywhere you go in the state, you'll be sure to find beautiful scenery, friendly folks, and plenty of maple-themed candy and foods.

As a senior who may be less mobile in the state of Vermont, there are still plenty of activities available. Senior centers throughout the state provide senior-oriented activities such as exercise classes, game nights, language classes, and other educational sessions. Specialized senior trips are also available to places such as The Lincoln Family Home, Sugarbush Farm, or the Bennington Museum.

Vermont's Climate, Geography & Culture

The climate in Vermont supports four seasons with mild summers and cold, snowy winters. The average summer high temperature is 79 degrees and the average low is 6 degrees. There are approximately 167 days of sunshine annually, and based on humidity levels, it is considered to be quite comfortable. Throughout the year, there are 143 days that receive measurable precipitation resulting in 41 inches of rain and 91 inches of snow – both well above the United States average. Overall, Vermont is a very forgiving state when it comes to weather.

Vermont has a long-standing reputation as being a trendsetting and politically progressive state. Even though the state has America's second-smallest population, they make up for their numbers in terms of fighting spirit and passion for all things locally made and authentically Vermonter. Residents may not be the most overtly friendly people at first, but they are commonly very solid and honest individuals.

Crime & Safety in Vermont

Vermont is one of the safest states in the country, however, that doesn't mean you should neglect finding home care in the safest environment possible. Not only will one's care be made more effective by a safe living space, but it will give visitors and family members peace of mind. Here are some of the safest cities found throughout Vermont:

Vermont's Home Care Regulations & Laws

Federal legislation (42 CFR 484.36) requires each Medicare-certified home health agency to employ only home care professionals who meet the state-approved training program requirements. These regulations ensure that each medical professional or non-medical paraprofessional has received Vermont's minimum of 80 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised practical training and an additional 12 hours of training every following year.

Payment Options for Vermont Home Care

Paying for home care in Vermont can be achieved in several ways, each based on what can work the best for your unique situation.

First off, seniors may look to Medicare to receive coverage for their copayment and deductibles for medical home care through the Medicare Supplemental Insurances program. Medicare does not pay for home care aides, and only covers medical home health care very selectively.

If this is an issue, it may be necessary to look to the other remaining methods of payment.

Most seniors will choose to pay privately to avoid the hassle of maintaining insurances and other qualifications. Besides using one’s own savings to pay for care, others may choose to pay through a reverse mortgage, by opening a home equity line of credit or by converting their life insurance policies. If you had purchased long-term care insurance earlier in life, this option is also very viable.

U.S. veterans can receive assistance for home care by using the Improved Pension or Homebound and Aid & Attendance Pension. To apply for these benefits, contact your local Veteran’s Association or Area Agency on Aging for more details and eligibility requirements.

Finally, Medicaid is a joint federal and state insurance program for low-income seniors and their families that in most cases can be used to cover the costs of home care if it is deemed medically necessary. Each state has its own rules, requirements for eligibility, and specific benefits that will vary. Keep in mind that Medicaid refers to these services as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).

Senior & Elderly Rights for Home Care in Vermont

Patients receiving care in Vermont are guaranteed a series of rights and protections by their chosen Medicare-approved home health care agency. At the start of your care, you'll be informed that you reserve the right to choose which services you want to participate in and other details regarding the process.

Caretakers are to respect your personal privacy and property at all times, as well as your Constitutional rights and those afforded to you by the Bill of Rights. If there comes a point when you are unable to make your own care decisions, you can appoint a family member or legal representative to do so in your place. If you suspect your rights have been violated, reach out to an elder law professional promptly.

Vermont Home Care: Medical Records Rules & Regulations

Seniors receiving home care in Vermont are entitled to obtain copies or their medical records and information, despite claims that privacy laws do not permit this. Seniors can submit requests that must be honored within 30 days, requiring a formal statement from healthcare providers if a delay or denial occurs.

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.